CEO of Samruk Kazyna Contract Serikbek Yelshibekov said that Kazakh businessmen were becoming reluctant to enter long-term contracts with Samruk Kazyna subsidiaries due to the unstable situation at the oil market.

Crude edged higher in Asian trade Thursday on supply concerns following escalating violence in oil-producer South Sudan, but gains were capped as dealers sat on the sidelines awaiting fresh leads after the festive season.